Glucosamine And Arthritis Pain Management

 

Glucosamine and Arthritis

If you are looking for a supplement that will alleviate your joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, Glucosamine is your go-to.  Glucosamine and arthritis pain management is subject of deep interest for the scientific community. Glucosamine for osteoarthritis is a supplement taken daily to alleviate pain and inflammation. It comes in glucosamine gummies, glucosamine liquid, and other forms we will discuss. Other supplements such as glucosamine with turmeric and glucosamine with chondroitin are added to enhance the effect of this supplement. Subsequently in this article, we will discuss glucosamine benefits, especially in arthritis.

When glucosamine for joint pain is taken for a long time, it helps to slow down the progression or degeneration of osteoarthritis. Research shows that glucosamine for osteoarthritis slows down the narrowing of the space between joints, a marker that shows that the condition is getting worse, especially when taken for up to three years (1).

What is Glucosamine?

More importantly, what is glucosamine and arthritis pain management? Glucosamine is a naturally occurring supplement produced in the body. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to create other compounds that form the cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and synovial fluid around joints. It is crucial for the production of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, which are fundamental components of those joint components. It has been noticed that the structure and upkeep of these joint components affect the onset and progression of osteoarthritis.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Before we discuss what osteoarthritis is, we need to talk about arthritis. Joint inflammation is referred to as arthritis (pain, swelling, and stiffness). It is typically used to describe any condition that affects connective tissues, including joints and the tissues around them. Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints of the knee, hip, hands, elbows, and shoulders. There are more than 100 different varieties of arthritis since it can affect a single joint or several joints at once.

According to surveys, 58.5 million persons have some form of arthritis and osteoarthritis pain in their joints. Also, it was mentioned that those 65 and older are affected. Arthritis can afflict anybody, including children and young adults, even though it is more common in women and the elderly. (2) Because this condition mostly affects knees, it is also widely referred to as knee osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee.

arthritis

The most prevalent type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is also known to require the most frequent hospitalizations. This degenerative condition, also known as arthrosis or wear-and-tear arthritis, impacts the entire joint. It starts with the cartilage inside a joint becoming tough and degrading (commonly the knees, hands, hips, and spine).

The body produces undesired small pieces of bone, known as osteophytes, to grow at the ends of the bone in the joint to make up for the wear and loss of cartilage. Synovial fluid builds up over time and may strain the joint capsule, making mobility challenging and painful. Glucosamine for osteoarthritis was created to combat this discomfort.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Usually, the following symptoms are felt when you have osteoarthritis

  1. 1. Swelling and tenderness are caused by inflammation.
  2. 2. Pain: The intensity of pain in areas with osteoarthritis varies from person to person and increases over time if management is not initiated.
  3. 3. Osteoarthritis Nodes. Nodes of osteoarthritis are bony, hard lumps at the joints of your fingers. They are known as Heberden’s nodes when they form at the joint closest to your finger. Bouchard’s nodes are formed when they develop near the joints in your hand.
  4. 4. Stiffness: You May experience reduced movement, and crunching sounds as if your bones are rubbing together.

Glucosamine Benefits

  1. 1. Improves joint mobility and flexibility
  2. 2. Reduces pain
  3. 3. Reduces joint stiffness and pain
  4. 4. Provides relief even after treatment has been aborted.
  5. 5. Improves bone health.

You may want to consult your doctor before taking glucosamine.

Glucosamine Versus Collagen

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in both land and marine animals, including humans. It helps sustain tissues structurally and is crucial for cellular functions. Although it is present in muscle as well, it is concentrated most heavily in connective tissue (skin, joints, ligaments, and tendons). It supports tissues structurally and is crucial for several biological functions, including immune response, tissue repair, cellular communication, and migration. Collagen is responsible for wound healing, Joint health, and boosts immune and skin health while Glucosamine is responsible for the treatment of osteoarthritis, back pain, weight loss, etc.

The majority of glucosamine is produced by breaking down the chitin found in the shells of shellfish including lobster, shrimp, and crabs. Some companies have introduced glucosamine products manufactured from fermenting maize and the fungus Aspergillus niger to the market to satisfy the demands of vegetarians and others who have shellfish allergies.

Glucosamine is used by the body to create and repair cartilage. The flexible, durable, rubbery connective tissue known as cartilage shields the bones in the joints. It acts as cushioning and stops the bones from rubbing against one another.

As individuals age, their cartilage may start to break down and lose some of its flexibility. This often leads to inflammation, tissue destruction, and discomfort. Some research suggests glucosamine might halt this process and improve cartilage health. The body produces glucosamine naturally, but as people age, its amounts decrease. The lowering could eventually cause joint degeneration due to the wear and tear caused by the lack of lubrication. Glucosamine comes in various forms like glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, and N-acetyl glucosamine. The synovial fluid and cartilage around joints act as cushions for easy sliding and gliding of the bones.

Available Forms of Glucosamine

Taking Glucosamine for joints as dietary supplement helps your joint grow and stay flexible. For osteoarthritis, the most common form of glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis and pain relief is glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate.

Glucosamine is often marketed and sold in combination with other supplements such as methylsulfonylmethane and chondroitin sulfate. It comes in form of glucosamine gummies, capsules, powder, liquid, and tablets. Glucosamine liquid is also available in high strength, making it an excellent choice for those who find it difficult to take conventional tablets or capsules but still want to maximize their Glucosamine intake. Glucosamine is available as an injectable and can be directly injected into the affected joint. Most of it has a high concentration and is bioavailable. Each 10ml dose contains 1000mg of high-quality Glucosamine HCl, which is the recommended daily amount.

This form of glucosamine was developed to make dispensing simple and easy, especially for geriatrics and individuals who struggle with drug compliance. Glucosamine gummies are also a very easy form of Glucosamine intake. It makes dosing easy for pediatrics and geriatrics alike. They are also a specific form of edible drug that ensures ease of use and superb absorption of active ingredients. It is just an excellent choice for both young children and adults, and it is widely available in most grocery and drug stores. Their appealing flavor and resemblance to gummy candies are their primary appeal, making them a more convenient alternative to the usual tablet dosage forms.

As a general rule, the taste of Glucosamine gummies is just barely tolerable. The reason for this is the risk of very children mistaking gummies for candy and taking a dose far over what is prescribed. You may want to talk to your doctor to use glucosamine as a dietary supplement for your osteoarthritis pain.

Glucosamine With Turmeric

If you’ve noticed your joints have been limiting you for some time, you should note that a plain Glucosamine supplement may not be enough to help. Glucosamine with Turmeric combines two potent components to help with your joint pain and cartilage rebuilding.

turmeric for joints

Glucosamine and Turmeric work on your joints over time, allowing you to continue your favorite activities. Turmeric has a long history of use in Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine as a spice, as well as in traditional medicine to aid the intestinal, digestive, liver, and joint health. Turmeric contains a high amount of anti-inflammatory properties. Because inflammation is one of the main causes of joint pain, reducing inflammation throughout the body is a good way to alleviate joint pain.

Research has shown that Glucosamine supplementation with turmeric enhances the regeneration of injured connective tissues and sustains the healthy repair of your joints in the future. It is difficult to get the body to repair damaged cartilage, and there are a few ways to purposefully help bolster the protective fluids (synovial fluid) that keep your joints safe. Consuming cartilage alone is not a realistic choice because your body cannot absorb it as it travels through the digestive system unutilized.

Glucosamine with Turmeric is a simple, safe, and dependable way to strengthen your connective tissues and protect your joint.

Glucosamine and Arthritis: Amounts and Dosage

The current optimal dosage allowed for oral glucosamine supplementation is 1,500mg per day to reduce pain. This can be taken as a dose or in divided doses over the course of the day.

Although some researchers do not agree with how much supplemental glucosamine the body absorbs and uses, most suggest that up to 90% is metabolized by the liver. Some trials indicate that larger doses than 1,500mg will be more effective at treating osteoarthritis. The safety profile of these higher doses has not been ascertained yet.

Side Effects of Glucosamine

Please notify your doctor about the following side effect as soon as possible.

  1. 1. Allergic reaction: A skin rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, neck, lips, or tongue are all indications of an allergic reaction.

When you notice the following side effects occurring after taking a glucosamine supplement, you do not need to report them. They will wear off as soon as your body gets used to the supplement. It contains;

  1. 1. Uneasy stomach
  2. 2. Constipation
  3. 3. Diarrhea
  4. 4. Nausea

Contraindications and Risk of Glucosamine

Glucosamine for arthritis is not recommended for everyone. Although it’s safe to use and causes only a few side effects, the following group of people should take caution while using this supplement;

  • – During pregnancy

Use of glucosamine during these times is not advised because it is not known how it may affect the baby.

– Cancer

Certain supplements make cancer treatments less effective as they may interfere with the absorption of some of the drugs when taken concomitantly. Consult a doctor first if you are receiving this kind of treatment and want to utilize glucosamine. Research also shows that glucosamine May increase cancer cell growth.

– Diabetic condition

According to Research, glucosamine supplements may have an impact on how much glucose the body produces. Due to this, patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance may find them inappropriate. Drug-drug interaction may also occur when glucosamine is taken concomitantly with certain anti-diabetic medications.

– Asthma

In 2008, researchers warned that glucosamine might cause several negative side effects, including breathlessness in those who have asthma.

– Allergies

Shellfish-derived glucosamine products have the potential to cause allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to shellfish, avoid taking this supplement.

– Glaucoma

Taking glucosamine and chondroitin increases the risk of developing glaucoma, including those who have a family history of glaucoma, are above 60 years of age, history of high blood pressure or diabetes(2).

– Blood and circulation problems

Glucosamine may affect blood pressure and blood clotting. Those who take it should do the following:

  1. 1. Avoid taking glucosamine with warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners, and keep an eye on your blood pressure if you must.
  2. 2. NSAIDs. Concomitant use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and Tylenol with glucosamine reduces the efficacy of the NSAIDs. This might be a good interaction because NSAIDs can cause ulceration of the stomach lining. Always talk to your physician before taking any supplement.

In conclusion, Arthritis has no cure. Nonetheless, it is crucial to keep joints functioning by minimizing pain and inflammation. Glucosamine benefits individuals with arthritis in the long run. In addition to taking glucosamine for joint issues, you will need to make lifestyle adjustments that will enhance your quality of life. Lifestyle changes include;

– Loss of weight. Weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips are put under increased strain when you are overweight. As much as you can, shed excess weight to lessen the burden on your joints.

– Exercise. Certain activities may aid in reducing stiffness and joint pain. Examples include brisk walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobic activity. Exercises that stretch the muscles and joints may also keep them flexible.

– Rest and exercise. Alternate periods of activity and rest to lessen the strain on your joints. This can minimize your symptoms and safeguard your joints.

– Support equipment. Walkers, crutches, and canes are helpful to reduce the stress on your joints and improve balance.

References

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/joint-supplements#glucosamine
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383456/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/
  5. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-glucosamine#091e9c5e8205f218-1-2